Companies tout microphones used for MTV Video Awards

September 21, 2006

Major microphone and wireless manufacturers Audio-Technica and Sennheiser have both issued press releases touting the use of their products on the recent Video Music Awards (VMA) on MTV. The Aug. 31 show took place at New York’s Radio City Music Hall and was hosted by actor/musician Jack Black. XM/Effanel Music provided remote production facilities.

Audio-Technica’s Artist Elite 5000 series wireless was used by a number of performers on the show, who used the AEW-T5400 handheld transmitter for vocals. Artists using the AEW-T5400 for front-line vocals included Justin Timberlake, Shakira, The All-American Rejects, T.I., Young Dro, Panic! At The Disco and Kyle Gass of Tenacious D. A wide selection of A-T wired microphones were also on hand, including the AT4050 on overheads and guitars; AT4047/SV for acoustic bass; AE5100 on ride cymbals and hi-hats; ATM25 and ATM23HE on toms; and ATM350 for violins, violas and cello.

For the first time, the VMA employed a house band, The Raconteurs. The group was miked with Sennheiser evolution series mics, most notably the e935 for vocals. Guest vocalists such as Billy Gibbons, of ZZ Top, and Lou Reed also used the e935. In addition to the e935 on vocals, the band’s monitor engineer, Neil Heal, used the e609 on guitar amp, e604 on toms, e602 on kick drum and e902 on snare. For her appearance, Beyoncé performed using her preferred Neumann KK 105-S capsule mounted on the new Sennheiser SKM 5200 handheld transmitter.